This project aimed to identify factors influencing breastfeeding decisions among Mäori women. During 2004-2005, a diverse demographic of Mäori women and family members was selectively recruited from within a major urban area, small towns, and rural areas. Thirty women who had cared for a newborn within the previous three years were interviewed, alone or together with other family members. All participants self-identified as Mäori and were >16 years. Few women had artificially fed their babies. Most women had breastfed and their determination to breastfeed was strong. The project identified five influences that divert Mäori women from breastfeeding: interruption to a breastfeeding culture; difficulty establishing breastfeeding within the first six weeks; poor or insufficient professional support; perception of inadequate milk supply; and returning to work. These influences occur in a temporal sequence and highlight opportunities for intervention. The article also discusses factors that encourage breastfeeding.
